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Monday, June 28, 2010

Twirl! (First Draping Project)

Circle skirt + horsehair braid + windy day = AWESOME twirling. This is my very first pattern that I designed and draped myself. I've been studying draping with my fantastic teacher Sharon and have learned so much - and now I'm seeing the fruits of my labors! Since this was my first real draping project, I stuck with a simple 50s-inspired design: boatneck, French darts, low v-neck in the back, and a circle skirt.

You can see how the horsehair braid shapes the hem here.

From the side! (With the help of a gust of wind.)

The fabric is a lovely hot pink textured cotton from Mood. Textured cotton is great: simple to work with, yet the texture adds a little extra interest. (Beginners, take note!)

There are things I'll change next time - I think there's a little too much ease in the bodice, for instance. But I'm trying not to nitpick. Every sewing project is a learning experience, and I feel that this one in particular is the step to a new level of sewing. I'm not going to let little mistakes get me down!

I made an all-in-one facing and interfaced it with cotton organdy.

After my post on stay tapes, I have been making an effort to utilize them. I used Seams Great here and clipped it around the curve of the neckline.

And, of course, I hemmed it with horsehair braid. (Check out my tutorial here.)

I can't believe I draped this pattern myself! It's opened up all sorts of creative doors - I'm already planning my next design.

Wow! I am so impressed! I can't wait to try the horse hair braid. I think it might be perfect for trying to make one of those Louis Vuitton style dresses that have popped up everywhere with the beautiful circle skirts.

That's the prettiest dress I've seen so far on you. Absolutely gorgeous. You've made me really want to step up my sewing game.

Seriously, hon, have you ever considered doing this (writing about sewing and inspiring others) professionally? I think you'd make a great editor/writer for Threads or Sew Stylish or any of the other sewing magazines.

Bravo!!! Fantastic dress - and a fantastic shape on you (even with the 'too much ease in the bodice'). I only wish my monitor did not turn it into a tomato red dress instead of pink. I think every girl, no matter what her age, wants a skirt that makes her want to twirl like that. Great stuff.

How exciting that you drafted it yourself. The sky is the limit for you! I really wish that I could pick up the grain and color of the dress. What I'm seeing is very different from what you have described. It is very lovely and you should be very proud of yourself!

I'm so impressed with how the skirt falls... I'm not sure if it's the horsehair braid or what, but it just looks to sit so perfectly. A look that I always assumed would need some form of petticoat or somthing.

In short, well done! You've certainly convinced me that I need to try some of these techniques on my next projects.

Fantastic dress! I am just jealous of you because you can get such great draping lessons! I think you are right concerning the ease in the bodice... but the effect about the changed position of the waistline is just amazing! LOVE your dress! :-)

GORGEOUS, Gertie!!!! Wow--I just love the lines of this dress--and bravo on the draping success! I'm really speechless... this is just so beautiful and meticulously executed. I'm in awe!

Thanks for the horsehair braid tutorial, btw (I'm a little late with that... my computer was down for a couple days!). I am itching to try it now... I've been meaning to make a circle skirt, and one that is super fully and swirly would be fantastic!

Wow! brava, brava! That is one beautiful dress! You've outdone yourself. If that is your first draping project, I cannot even imagine what comes next.Thanks for sharing all of it, including and maybe especially the brief setback on the darts. You remind me to take it easy and think my way through a mistake. Although I agree, bursting into tears is always an excellent first step!